Our Family Stopped Buying New Kids Clothes—Here’s What We Do Instead
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A few years ago, I never would’ve imagined saying this—but here we are: we stopped buying new clothes for our kids. And no, we’re not living off the grid or doing a minimalist challenge. We just... opted out.
Here’s why—and what we’re doing instead that’s saved us money, space, and stress (while helping other families too).
The Closet Cycle Was Out of Control
When my first baby was born, I wanted to be prepared. I bought the basics, got some gifts, and filled every drawer. But by month three, I was overwhelmed.
Every time I blinked, she’d outgrow a size. Then the seasons would change. Then we had another baby. The baby clothes bin became the toddler clothes bin. My house felt like a consignment store explosion.
And it wasn’t just the volume—it was the speed. How quickly I felt pressure to replace, restock, re-sort. How expensive it became. How wasteful it felt.
The Shift to Used Kids Clothes
At first, it was about cost. I started searching Facebook Marketplace, joining local swap groups, even digging through bins at Goodwill. But over time, it turned into something more than saving money.
I liked buying used.
I liked the lack of packaging. The no guilt if it got stained. The surprising quality of a secondhand Hanna Andersson tee that had already survived two kids and still looked amazing.
I liked knowing I wasn’t feeding the fast-fashion beast—especially when I knew firsthand how fast that machine runs.
What We Do Instead
We stopped buying new. Not 100% of the time—but pretty close. Here’s what we do instead:
- We accept hand-me-downs like gold. And we pass them on again.
- We source secondhand first—online, in-person, wherever feels easy.
- We use The Little Loop to send outgrown clothes to other families, and get the next size up in return.
It’s a loop that keeps things moving. And it’s one of the most satisfying parenting shifts we’ve made.
It’s About More Than the Clothes
This change has brought other things, too:
- Less clutter
- Fewer shopping trips
- Lower monthly spending
- Conversations with my kids about waste, giving, and reuse
And maybe most of all, a feeling that we’re not just consuming—we’re contributing.
Where to Find Great Secondhand Kids Clothes
Whether you’re new to thrifting or just want to expand your go-to spots, here are some tried-and-true favorites:
Online & National Sources
- eBay – Great for bulk lots, brand-specific searches
- Etsy – Best for curated vintage or handmade pieces
- Kidizen – A kid-focused resale marketplace
- ThredUp – Huge selection and bundles
In-Person Finds
- Savers / Value Village
- Once Upon a Child – national kids’ consignment chain
- Local consignment shops (search “kids consignment near me”)
- Buy Nothing groups and Facebook Marketplace
Final Thought
If you’ve been feeling buried in the clothes cycle, or just tired of constantly rebuying the same basics, I promise—there’s another way.
Start small. Try a hand-me-down. Join a swap. Or send your next box through The Little Loop.
Because kids grow fast. But that doesn’t mean your clothing budget—or your hallway closet—has to spiral with them.